BAR PATH

For any lift, the most efficient bar path is vertical. However, moving the bar straight down from the top position (directly above the shoulders) would result in impingement due to the firm contact between your shoulder blades and the bench. To account for anatomical constraints, we must allow for a slight inefficiency in the bar path. The bar will travel in a slight arc from the top position to the bottom position, and you should aim to touch your chest near the solar plexus (the soft spot of your sternum).